Abstract: The invention relates to the drilling of a hole for the study of the underground. The roto-percussion head acts on the drilling tube of which the base carries a cutter. The cutter is integral with the sleeve inside which drilling water is injected. The water and the rock debris go up and out through the evacuation opening. Application to the reverse flow drilling allowing to extract at the evacuation opening cores or rock debris which go up inside the axial tube as soon as they are taken without any risk of being contaminated by the previously traversed layers of ground.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling wells in which the annulus between the casing and drill string is sealed below the kelly and blowout preventers and drilling fluid returns are conducted from below the seal to the exterior through the drilling head. The annulus may be controlled below the seal to permit lubricating the seal through the blowout preventers while maintaining the well under complete control. A surface controlled subsurface valve may control drilling fluid returns.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drill string (1) incorporating inbuilt tubular conductors (25), a mud supply passage, and passages for protective or other fluids. The drill string can be advanced by selectively actuable pistons (51,60) exposed to drilling mud flow, by electrically driven traction units (71,74) engaging the drill hole wall or by a linear electric motor element (82) co-operating with a drill hole casing (24), which can be moved thereby relative to the drill string. The drill bit (106) of the drill unit is driven rotatably by an electric motor (111,112) or reciprocably by a linear electric motor (125). The drill unit can be of two relatively slidable parts, with fluid pressure, which may be generated within the unit (189) axially loading the drill bit. Drilling forms can be resisted by clamps (129) clamping the unit and/or the drill string to the drill hole wall. The drilling direction can be adjusted by use of these clamps.

Abstract: A check valve sub assembly for series connection in a dual pipe string that extends downhole in a borehole for permitting flow of fluid in one direction through the annular passageway of the dual pipe string and preventing flow of fluid in the other direction. The check valve sub assembly includes an inner tube and an outer annular member for connection into series relationship respective to the inner and outer dual pipe so that fluid flow through the inner pipe is conducted through said inner tube and is maintained separate from the annulus.

Abstract: Device in impact machines. The device comprises a set of rods comprising a number of rods (6) which are journalled in a surrounding set of tubes (7) by means of elastic bushings (52, 53). One of the bushings is provided with a lip (54) which sealingly rests against the rod (6) when flushing medium is not supplied to the space between the set of rods and the set of tubes but allows passage of flushing medium at drilling.

Abstract: An improved drill pipe assembly wherein each pipe section is formed as a concentric walled pipe having both an axial and an annular space therethrough, and the pipe section includes means for communicating the adjoining annular spaces through the series of respective box end/pin end joints whereby equipment compartmentation, conductor traverse, ballast containment, gas pressurization and weight addition can be effectively utilized in controlled manner.

Abstract: A device for borehole hydraulic mining includes a pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole accommodated inside a pipeline for bringing pulp to the surface and featuring a constant inside diameter along the entire length of this pipeline. The pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole carries a hydraulic jet. The device also has a hydraulic elevator with a fluid and pulp mixing chamber secured to the lower end of the pipeline for bringing pulp to the surface, and a nozzle secured to the lower end of the pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole. The fluid and pulp mixing chamber and the nozzle of the hydraulic elevator enclose the pipeline for drilling fluid into the hole with clearances allowed.

Abstract: A downhole reverse circulation hammer is provided comprising a tubular housing and a top sub and drill bit supported mounted on either end of the housing. A central axis tube extends through the housing, top sub and drill bit support and a piston is slidably positioned in the tube. The hammer has a network of fluid passageways and spaces which enable the piston to reciprocate against an anvil in response to the entry and exit of a fluid into the spaces via the passageways.

Abstract: A downhole hammer is provided comprising a casing having a top sub at one end and a drill bit and support at the other end. A central tube is extended therethrough to define an annular space between the casing and the tube. A reciprocating piston is accommodated within the annular space and is operated by injecting a pressurized fluid from the surface into the annular space via a plurality of ports in the casing. The pressurized fluid is exhausted into the central tube and toward the surface via a plurality of passageways therethrough without contacting the borehole.

Abstract: An inner pipe member for a dual-wall drill pipe assembly having an inner pipe member and an outer pipe member, the outer pipe member having a main bore extending axially therethrough including a first bore and a concentric second bore of smaller diameter than the first bore and axially spaced therefrom by a shoulder, and a circumferential recess in the second bore, the inner pipe member comprising a tubular body portion adapted to be telescopically and concentrically received in the main bore and define an annular fluid passage therewith, a first spacer at one end of the body portion for concentrically spacing the one end of the body portion from the other end of the outer pipe member, and a second spacer at the other end of the body portion, the second spacer including first and second surfaces adapted to be received in sliding fit relation within the first and second bore, respectively, for concentrically positioning the other end of the inner pipe member within the outer pipe member, and a projection exten

Abstract: Core water and mud collector tool for use by a carrotting drill during the piercing of a concrete floor, said tool being connected as an adaptor between the motor shaft and the shoulder of the circular carrotting drill. Circulating through said tool is a liquid first applied at the exterior of the core drill, passing between the diamond bit segments, and being aspirated to the top between the carrot and the interior of the drill, to be evacuated through the interior of the above adaptor by holes of sizes increasing starting from the inside of the adaptor shaft, going through the wall of said shaft, the tunnel opening of the barrel and the suction tube. The suction has for effect to conserve the carrot in the interior of the carrotting drill when the concrete floor is pierced, such suction helping to exert a reaction in the direction of drilling which facilitates drilling as water is being aspirated, instead of being projected by jet, thus keeping the zone surrounding the punched hole clean.

Abstract: Drill steel or bit apparatus includes a primary drill bit having a base and a stem, a drill tip, and a bore extending longitudinally through the base, the stem, and the tip, and a pilot drill bit having a base and a stem, and a tip, and the stem and the tip extend through the longitudinal bore in the primary drill bit. The pilot drill bit includes a longitudinally extending bore through which compressed air flows. The base of the pilot drill bit is impacted by a drill piston and the base of the pilot drill bit in turn impacts the primary drill bit. Drilling is accomplished by the tips of both the pilot drill and the primary drill bit.

Abstract: A borehole tool employs a drill string having a plurality of sections of drill pipe connected together for traversing a wellbore. Drilling fluid is circulated down the drill string and up the annulus between the drill string and the wellbore to transport entrained drill cuttings out of the wellbore. At least one section of double wall drill pipe with its outer wall perforated, is included in the drill string. Drilling fluid flow down the string into the section of double wall drill pipe is controlled to effect a desired degree of drilling fluid flow rate through the perforations in the outer wall of the double wall drill pipe section so as to provide a stirring action to the drill cuttings in the wellbore annulus and thereby improve the transport of entrained drill cuttings out of the wellbore in the circulating drilling fluid.

Abstract: In a scavenger is supplied through a scavenging pipe (26) to the internal pipe string (11), the scavenging pipe (25) extending through a bore (27) of the hammer piston (17) of the hammer drill. Due to a rotary drive (14), the drilling strings (10,11) are rotated which are connected to the shank (13) extending into the rotary drive (14). The scavenger is conducted through the scavenging pipe (26) into the shank (23) and from there into the internal pipe string (11). The external diameter of the scavenging pipe (26) is inferior to the inner diameter of the bore (27) of the hammer piston (17), and of the scavenging bore (23). Sealing between the scavenging pipe (26) and the scavenging bore (23) is effected by a thick head piece (33) at the end of the scavenging pipe. Said head piece (33) contains a seal rubbing along the cylindrical scavenging bore wall if the hammer piston (17) strikes on the shank (13).

Abstract: An improved drill pipe utilizing multi-conduit tubulars is provided. A seal subassembly (644) is constructed and arranged so as to receive a plurality of similar tubular conduits (626, 630). The similar tubular conduits (626, 630) are inserted into both ends of the seal subassembly (644). At one end, the tubular conduits (630) are threadably attached to the seal subassembly (644), while at the opposite end, the tubular conduits (626) are slidably attached to the seal subassembly (644). T-rings seals (674) are provided to insure sealing engagement of the tubular conduits to the seal subassembly (644). A collar (638) is provided to join a drill pipe (596) to one end of the seal subassembly (644). A lift subassembly (682) is provided to attach the other end of the seal subassembly (644) to another drill pipe (598). The seal subassembly (644) is constructed so as to allow the tubular conduits to be of strength sufficient to withstand pressure and compression forces only.

Abstract: A reverse circulation deep hole rock bit that includes a drill bit connector tube telescopically extended into a drill bit housing to cooperatively form a part of a radial inner fluid channel for cuttings to flow axially outwardly and a radial outer annular clearnace space, a plurality of angularly spaced pressurized fluid passage that open to the annular space and a check valve in each fluid fluid passage to permit inward flow of fluid, but to block fluid flow in the opposite direction. A plurality of angularly spaced cutter arms have arcuate tubular segments secured to axial and radial outer portions of the arms while a radially inner tubular skirt is secured to or abuts against the axial outer portions of the arms.

Abstract: A reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer drill apparatus for drilling rock and overburden comprises a fluid-driven piston which reciprocates in an annular chamber to repeatedly strike a bit suspended at one end of the chamber, for example in a splined mounting. Fluid is exhausted through the bit directly to the face of the bit and cuttings and debris are returned via a central throughbore in the bit and in the drill apparatus to the surface. The bit drops forward on encountering a void during drilling operations to open by-pass passages which exhaust fluid directly into the throughbore temporarily so as to prevent any loss of return of sample to the surface.

Abstract: A down hole hammer comprising a substantially cylindrical casing having a top sub at one end and a drill bit support at the other; a central passageway extending through the top sub, casing and drill bit support; a central tube coaxial with the casing and extending from the bottom of the top sub to the top of the bit support thereby defining an annular space between its outer surface and the internal face of the casing, its inner bore forming part of the central passageway; an annular piston reciprocatively accommodated within the annular space for movement between an impact position at which said piston abuts the drill bit support, and a raised position at which said piston is spaced from the drill bit support; fluid porting being provieded to said annular space to effect the reciprocation of the piston between the raised and impact positions, the exhaust from the annular space during reciprocation of the piston being exhausted into the central passageway; a fluid by-pass extending between the top sub and th

Abstract: A cylindrical hammer drill bit with a central fluid passage and having a first group of circumferentially spaced lowermost cutting surfaces located on lowermost arcuate segments spaced by elongated upwardly extending circumferentially spaced slots and a second group of circumferentially spaced uppermost cutting surfaces located in intermediate arcuate segments at the upper end of the slots. Each of the cutting surfaces has an arcuate segment portion on the outer periphery of the drill bit formed at the intersection of upwardly inwardly sloping surfaces with the periphery of the drill bit; and radially inwardly upwardly inclined radial segment portions located on radially rib portions on the upwardly inwardly sloping surfaces. Each radial rib portion is connected to an elongated inwardly facing fluid slot.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole is provided using a drill bit coupled to the lower end of a pair of concentric drill pipes. During drilling a first low viscosity fluid, such as oil or water, is circulated through the pipes while a second fluid, such as a weighted viscosified mud, is kept stationary in the pipe/formation annulus.

Abstract: A rotary head for a drilling machine, the rotary head comprising: lower, intermediate and upper device (1,3 and 61 or 62) for engaging a plurality of drilling tools; a mechanism (8,5) for rotating drilling tools engaged by the engaging devices at a speed which is adjustable; and flushing structure comprising a plurality of flushing apertures (25,44,11 or 52) for supplying flushing fluid to or from drilling tools engaged by the engaging devices.

Abstract: An annular air-hammer apparatus for drilling holes incorporates a hollow cylindrical case with a stepped bore which has inlet and outlet ports. A rock-cutting tool with an axial opening is fitted to the case at the forward end thereof. A chips-receiving sleeve and a stepped ring-shaped hammer are located inside the case, whereby the hammer forms a working-stroke chamber with the case and an idle-stroke chamber with the case, the rock-cutting tool and the chips-receiving sleeve. The chips-receiving sleeve has a cylindrical protuberance at its upper end which interacts with the hammer when this is in its topmost position. A channel is provided in the idle-stroke chamber at that side thereof which faces the upper end face of the hammer.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving casing, piles, or conductor pipe into the ground comprises in combination; an external reciprocal impact driving means supported atop the conductor pipe, internal rotatable drilling means supported within the conductor pipe, and means associated therewith for introducing air and water under pressure for creating a pressure differential to evacuate the drilling debris and cuttings to the surface. The drilling means is supported within said conductor pipe at the bottom portion thereof near the point of least energy absorption and rebound. The driving and drilling operations may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A dual conduit drill string used in drilling holes for geothermal, oil and gas wells, and the like, comprises a removable inner conduit to permit the use of salvage or repair equipment within the outer conduit. The outer conduit comprises standard API drill pipe sections which are each slightly modified to receive the removable inner conduit sections. Each inner conduit section is provided with flexible hangers for suspending the weight of the inner conduit from a support ledge formed on the interior surface of the drill pipe. The hangers permit upward removal motion and rotation of the inner conduit with respect to the drill pipe, but prevent downward motion. Individual inner conduit sections are joined together at lockable stab joints in which locking is accomplished by the rotatable engagement of a key and locking socket. Preferably, the inner conduit is manufactured in uniform lengths and mounted in drill pipe sections of non-uniform lengths by means of drill pipe adaptor subs.

Abstract: A multi-conduit tubular having fluid conduits (30) and electrical conduits (108), with associated surface fluid (182) and electrical (186) commutators, and downhole sensors (18, 20, 290) for providing surface monitors (22) with instantaneous formation data. Each tubular (50) includes a plurality of uniform linear conduits (30) therethrough, with a gasketed seal plate (86) interposed between joined tubulars for assuring a high pressure seal between joined conduits. The seal plate (86) includes an intermediate electrical connector (126) for connecting electrical conduit connectors (116) of one tubular to another. A coupling collar (84) with uniform diameter internal coarse and fine threads (92, 94) joins the tubular ends having similar threads by differential thread action without respective tubular rotation.

Abstract: A boring head for duo-pipe drilling apparatus comprises a body having a passage for material return extending therethrough from the cutting end to the coupling end, the passage having an inlet at the cutting end displaced from the axis of rotation of the head and extending substantially across the full radius thereof, and an exit at the coupling end co-axial with the axis of rotation. The cutting end comprises one or more teeth having attacking edges overlying the inlet and beveled for mechanically displacing material into the inlet upon rotation of the head. Fluid supply galleries open into the passage for directing pressurized fluid from the duo-pipe system towards the exit of the passage for flushing cut material to the exit. The coupling end of the boring head is adapted for connection to the duo-pipe system with the annular passage of the duo-pipe system in communication with the fluid supply galleries and with the inner tube of the duo-pipe system in communication with the exit of the passage.

Abstract: A vibratory earth penetrator employing a high pressure air distributor and an oscillating mechanism has the ability to dig down to underground utilities and contact those utilities without damaging them. The invention includes a hollow elongated tube having a plurality of air lances at the bottom end thereof. The air is preferably distributed to the air lances by an air distributor in a criss-cross sequence. An oscillating eccentric weight is synchronized with the air distributor to enhance the digging effect of the device. The penetrator is supported by a boom which includes an automatic tension device for providing sufficient upward force to keep the penetrator in the vertical attitude while allowing the weight of the penetrator to provide enough force to permit the device to dig into the ground. Since the digging action is accompanied by very little downward force, it is possible to contact underground utilities without hurting them.

Abstract: A column of drill collars have holes or jets extending radially from the collar bore through the collar wall. A wash pipe extends full length through the bore of the perforated collars, so sized as to leave an annular flow space between the wash pipe and the collar bore wall. A remote control selector valve is situated such as to receive drilling fluid from the upwardly continuing drill string and direct the fluid through the wash pipe to the drill bit for regular drilling, or on cue from the earth surface, direct fluid to the annulus to be expelled through the drill collar perforations to help free stuck pipe or to prevent such sticking.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid is injected into a subterranean cavity in a mineral deposit to support the overburden during hydraulic mining operations. A dynamic seal between the drill string and a surrounding casing retains fluid pressure within the cavity as the drill string rotates during mining operations. A blowout protector retains fluid pressure within the cavity while the drill string is raised or lowered within the cavity when it is necessary to add or remove drill string sections.

Abstract: A boring tool which comprises a hollow boring tool body constructed by fitting a hollow boring head provided with cutting tips to the end of a hollow boring bar, and wherein an inner leftward twisted screw is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow boring bar; and an outer rightward twisted screw is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the hollow boring bar; when the boring tool body is clockwise rotated, the cutting fluid is carried forward to the end of the boring tool by the inner leftward twisted screw, and the cutting fluid which has cooled and lubricated the cutting tips and chips entrained with said cutting fluid are forcefully discharged by the outer rightward twisted screw.

Abstract: A packer and pressure differential drilling tool and method of controlled pressure balanced drilling in Big Hole well bores and shafts, characterized by a large diameter packer slideably engaged with the well bore over a drill bit and through which a dual drill pipe operates and isolates drilling fluid from a hydrostatic head of fluid standing in the well bore surrounding the dual drill pipe, the packer functioning as a non-rotatable ram slideable down the well bore and supporting said hydrostatic head and applying the weight thereof to the drill bit through anti-friction bearings, cuttings being flushed through the dual drill pipe by means of aerated drilling fluid or by an upwardly disposed jet pump, or both, so as to establish a reduced and/or underbalanced condition at the bit-to-bore bottom interface and operating the drill bit at an increased rate of penetration while maintaining a higher pressure condition in the well bore above the packer, the packer being weight set or hydraulic set, and the jet pump

Abstract: A downhole hammer drill for use with a dual concentric tube drill pipe string is characterized by the use of pressurized air from the annular passageway of the pipe string to operate the hammer. The exhaust air from the hammer is conducted to the periphery of the bit face of the hammer drill, across the bit face, and then through one or more openings in the central portion of the bit face. The exhaust air with entrained cuttings and hole water is then channeled through the drill and into the central passageway of the pipe string, through which it is removed from the drilling area. In a preferred embodiment an injection sub is provided in the drill string uphole of the drill and a drill body which substantially fills the bore annulus is used to throttle the flow of water down the borehole annulus to the bit face. In this embodiment a head of water is maintained in the borehole annulus and this water cascades down around the hammer drill to prevent cuttings and fines from moving up the bore annulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a flow of lubricating fluid from a surface-mounted lubricating fluid source through a rotatable drill pipe to rotary cutting cones of a rotary drill bit for drilling in an underground formation, including pump means for providing a flow of lubricating fluid from the fluid source to an end of the drill pipe. Drill pipe conduit means extending along the length of the drill pipe is provided for receiving the flow of lubricating fluid and for directing the lubricating fluid flow along the drill pipe to the drill bit. Distribution conduit means at the drill bit extends from the drill pipe conduit means to the cutting cones and receives the flow of lubricating fluid from the drill pipe conduit means for directing the lubricating fluid flow to the cutting cones for lubrication thereof.

Abstract: A combination drilling and mining head is provided which engages in screwed connection to the uppermost and outermost section of the drill string and allows the tool string to be rotated by the power swivel during both the drilling and mining operations. A lateral connection on the stationary manifold of the swivel head connects to the annular space between the dual conduits for supplying drilling and mining fluid to the tool string, the center or discharge conduit is connected through a swivel for discharging drill cuttings during the drilling cycle and ore slurry during the mining mode. The center or discharge conduit can also be used to supply drilling or mining fluid through the center conduit to the tool string while the lateral connection on the stationary manifold is used to discharge the drill cuttings or slurry pumped through the annular space between the conduits.

Abstract: An improved drill section and method of hydraulically mining mineral deposits which includes plural flow conduits extending through the drill section, having complimentary shaped tapered thread sections at opposite ends thereof, is disclosed. The tapered thread sections distribute and accommodate high tortional forces and ensure registered alignment of the flow conduits. Seals are provided at the interface between the multiple drill sections which simultaneously seal each of the flow conduits positioned within the interior of the drill sections. The outer casing of the drill section permits the introduction of high pressure fluid and includes a plurality of pressure-responsive plugs adapted to rupture at a predetermined pressure value thereby releasing fluid to lubricate the drill string and reduce the torque encountered during the mining operation.

Abstract: A double-walled drill pipe, having a plurality of outer pipe lengths connected end-to-end and a plurality of inner pipe lengths connected end-to-end and concentrically disposed within the outer pipes and defining an annular fluid flow passageway and a return flow passageway, is provided with an inner pipe support arrangement for minimizing stresses applied to the inner pipe lengths when blows are applied to the outer pipe lengths to drive a cutting bit. Each outer pipe length is provided with a ledge on its inner surface to provide a seat for an abutment on the outer surface of its adjacent inner pipe. When a blow is applied to the outer pipe lengths, the outer pipe is forced downwardly but due to inertial effects, the inner pipe unseats and is permitted to fall under its own weight. A resilient shock ring may be positioned on the length to cushion the fall of the inner pipe and provision may be made to limit axial displacement between the inner and outer pipes.

Abstract: Coupling structure to connect sections of a compound drill stem. The drill stem has concentric passages, one connected to a fluid source to provide fluid in an area being drilled and another connected to a vacuum source to carry off the fluid and accompanying cuttings from the drilling area. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling structure includes a housing with a prismatic surface that telescopically cooperates with a similarly shaped surface of at least one of the drill stem sections to effectively transmit torque through the compound stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for drilling a bore hole using a dual concentric drill pipe. Air is supplied through the outer pipe to the bit to cool the bit and jet cuttings upwardly in the bore hole to a suction inlet leading from the bore hole to the inner pipe. A negative pressure is applied to the inner pipe to bail the cuttings up the inner pipe. Makeup air flows down the annulus in the bore hole to the suction inlet and prevents upward movement of dust in the bore hole. A bore hole enlarging bit is disclosed and has expansible cutters which are expanded by hydraulic fluid pressure. In one form, the expansible cutters can also be retracted by hydraulic fluid pressure. The enlarging bit is employed to enlarge a pilot bore hole from a selected beginning location to the bottom of the pilot bore hole to form a blast chamber.

Abstract: A rotary bore hole enlarging bit is connected to a rotary pipe string having a drilling fluid flow path and an actuator flow path. The bit comprises a body structure including inner and outer telescopic body sections, expansible and retractible arms carrying cutters on the outer body section and an expander on the inner body section engageable with the arms to expand the arms and cutters upon telescopic movement of body sections in one relative direction. A piston and cylinder is provided between the inner and outer body sections to secure relative telescopic movement between the body sections. A first passage is disposed in the body structure and expansible arms and cutters for conducting drilling fluid to the cutters from the drilling fluid flow path, there being a second passage in the body structure for conducting actuator fluid to the piston and cylinder from the actuator fluid flow path.

Abstract: Multiple wall drill pipe adapted for use in a drill pipe string comprising an outer pipe member; an inner pipe member disposed within the outer pipe member; and means for releasably connecting the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member in fixed axial relationship under force loads applied in use during a drilling operation while enabling relative rotary movement between the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member during a rotary drilling operation to relieve torsional stress thereon, and for permitting the removal of the inner pipe member from the outer pipe member by relative axial displacement therebetween caused by application to the inner pipe member of only an axially directed force load in excess of the axially directed force loads applied to the inner pipe member in use during a normal drilling operation.

Abstract: An annular drilling hammer having an annular bore crown guided between an outer tube and an inner tube. An annular hammer piston periodically strikes the bore crown and has a piston member that is guided in a cylindrical chamber having control apertures which are connected fluidically to a reversing valve. The working medium is delivered to the reversing valve between an inner tube system and an outer tube system. After driving the hammer piston the medium is discharged from the drill between the outer tube and the bore crown. The bore crown is provided with flow channels leading from the rear shoulder through and to the front and/or central aperture of the bore crown. The flow of driving medium through these channels aids the entrainment of bored material, which then is carried out through the inner tube with the aid of a Venturi opening.

Abstract: In a combination for the drilling of a gas, oil, water and/or steam well comprised of a well hole, which is being drilled, well casing, which extends at least part of the way down the well hole, rotatable drill pipe, which extends down the well hole to the bottom thereof and which contains a passageway through the center thereof, a drill bit attached to the bottom of the drill pipe, means for rotating the drill pipe and the drill bit, and means for forcing a fluid, such as, drilling mud, down the passageway of the drill pipe to and through the drill bit, an annulus being formed by the region between the well casing and side of the well and the drill pipe, the fluid exiting out the annulus, the improvement which comprises a reverse circulating tool or device located in the casing, the device comprising a cylindrical main body, means for attaching the device to the top portion of the drill pipe, means for attaching the device to the bottom portion of the drill pipe, a first passageway in the main body communica

Abstract: A surface drilling apparatus for drilling large diameter holes in soft to medium-hard earth formations includes a cylindrical casing defined by a stationary upper section and a lower section rotatable relative to the upper section; a plurality of circular rows of cutting discs rotatably mounted on the base of the lower section for cutting material beneath the apparatus; a transfer pipe in the center of the base of the lower section for receiving cut material from the cutting discs and feeding the cut material upwardly through a discharge pipe for carrying the material upwardly to the surface; and an annular, upwardly inclined slot in the discharge pipe at the top of the upper section through which air is fed under pressure into the discharge pipe to induce the cut material upwardly from the transfer pipe and blow the material upwardly.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic mining tool for recovering minerals, particularly bitumen, and other viscous crude oils, from subterranian formations is disclosed, composed generally of a radially directed cutting jet nozzle which discharges a high velocity liquid to dislodge bitumen, viscous crude oils, and sand particles from the formation and a venturi-type pump and jet nozzle which lifts the dislodged material upward to the surface. The mining tool includes a rock crushing mechanism having means to vary its impact force and reciprocation frequency and an Archimedes feed screw which provides a variable quantity, continuous feed of mined material into the jet pump inlet.

Abstract: Dual flow passage drilling means includes a dual flow passage sub and a dual flow passage bit. The bit has a threaded tubular pin and a flat seal shoulder there around, adapted to make a rotary shouldered connection with a central box at the lower end of the sub.The bit includes a cylindrical body with a central flow passage and three circumferentially spaced off-axial holes centered 120 degrees apart providing outer fluid passage means communicating through the bit shoulder with the sub's annulus. Beneath the body are earth formation reducing means, including three jet nozzles connected to the off-axial holes. The earth formation reducing means further includes three drilling cones rotatably mounted on three legs depending from the body. The legs are centered 120 degrees apart, for example midway between the nozzles. The diameter of the earth bore is determined by the locus of the outermost parts of the cones as the cones rotate at the bottom of the bore.

Abstract: Device for use in the drill string used to drill an oil well. The device has a cylindrical body, four passageways located lengthwise through the cylindrical body, and a Y-shaped bottom member, which has a Y-shaped passageway therethrough. The two upper arms of the bottom device communicate with two oppositely-located passageways in the cylindrical body. Such Y-shaped passageways communicate with the bottom portion of the drill pipe. A top stem, which has a longitudinal passageway thereof and which has four side ports. Such longitudinal passageway communicates with the top portion of the drill pipe. A collar is rotatably positioned around the four ports of the top stem and is slidably removable from the top stem. The collar has two side L-shaped arms, with a passageway in each arm. Retainer means which is detachably positioned around the top of the top stem. The cylindrical body tightly and rotable fits within the well casing.

Abstract: A tool for slurrying and recovering minerals, including bitumen, from a single bore hole by hydraulic mining and jet pumping to the surface in which the tool includes conduits for pumping water into a venturi throat, a generally concentric bottom inlet to the venturi throat and a collection device below the venturi for lifting mineral into the venturi. The tool additionally includes means for selectively adjusting the distance between the screw and venturi throat to vary the proportion of suction applied to the bottom and side inlets to the venturi thereby accommodating variations in slurry concentrations and density.

Abstract: A skirted crossover sub for joining an air hammer to a string of dual concentric drill pipe is characterized by passageways for directing air from the pipe string annulus to operate the hammer and for directing exhaust air and cuttings from the hammer bit to the inner pipe of the string. A tubular skirt at the downhole end of the sub surrounds the hammer and channels the flow of exhaust air therebetween. A packer and uphole reamer may be included, as well as valves for air lift and for providing proper air flow direction in the borehole annulus.

Abstract: A system for adapting top head drilling rigs for reverse circulation drilling includes a generally tubular adapter having an upper end which is threadedly received in the drive head of a top head drill rig. A collar is secured to the tubular adapter by a pair of rotary bearings and includes an exhaust chute for drilling debris and water. A sleeve is also secured to the tubular adapter by rotary bearings, and is provided with an annular chamber which receives compressed air from an outside source. The system also includes a plurality of lengths of drilling pipe having complementary interior and exterior threads at opposed ends thereof. The drilling pipe includes couplings at each end thereof which are joined in sealing relationship by the threaded engagement thereof. A hollow tube is secured to the exterior of the drilling pipe to provide an air flow path between the couplings at the opposed ends thereof.

Abstract: High pressure fluid apparatus having a swivel flow divider connected to a rotary power source and an accompanying power cylinder for transferring high pressure fluid from a stationary to a rotary medium and a fluid jet rotary bit. The swivel flow divider defines a pair of integral seal bearings which can be variably positioned by means of the power cylinder to divert substantially all of the fluid flow into a fluid conducting tube at high pressures, e.g. up to about 10,000 psi to about 20,000 psi to divert fluid flow to a relatively low pressure region surrounding the fluid conducting tube, or to apportion fluid flow between the tube and the low pressure region surrounding the tube. The fluid jet bit has a bit body including a wear resistant insert which can be removed from a fluid jet housing and mounting without subjecting fluid jet orifices secured in the latter to damage.